In Detroit, The Battle Is Over But What About The War?

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has reached a settlement but that shouldn’t be confused with conclusion. Even before the orchestra enjoyed a weekend reveling in a pair of free concerts back in Orchestra Hall, public statements from both sides indicate that although the strike is over, the war continues…

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Why You Shouldn't Get Too Excited About Early Details From Detroit

ADAPTISTRATION-GUY-040a

I know, I know; we’ve all been wondering about the details from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) tentative agreement. But I’m here to rain on the parade a bit by saying that you will be better off by exercising a little patience and be at least a little bit afraid to rush in where angels fear to tread. Here’s a list of reasons why…

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With Bated Breath

Talks between the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its musicians resumed over the weekend in the first round of negotiations since the organization nixed the remainder of the 2010/11 planned concert season. A 4/1/2011 deadline set by the DSO on whether or not to cancel scheduled summer concert obligations passed without a decision as both sides agreed to return to the bargaining table over the weekend.

Update, 8:44am CT: a tentative agreement has been announced, details here and here.

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Back To Deadlines In Detroit

According to a press release from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) musicians dated Monday, 3/28/2011 the DSO has issued a deadline of Friday, April 1, 2011 to reach a settlement or the 2011 summer season will be no more. However, there are mixed messages coming from sources on both sides regarding the details of progress on key issues related to the nearly six month long strike…

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Former DSO Director Goes Public With Concerns

I received a copy of a letter from Sandra Reitelman, the former Director of Corporate Fundraising for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) from 2004-2006. In her letter, Reitelman characterizes “an incomplete ability to draw audiences and financial support” resulting from specific limitations within the workplace environment as a cornerstone for the ongoing institutional troubles. At the same time, she is careful to say that she is not speaking of “mismanagement of finances, or of board negligence”…

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